My Martha Moments

I love trying out what I see on the home decor blogs. I get a kick out of online craft tutorials. The latest dinner I prepared came from a recipe on youtube. After almost 16 years of marriage, the Internet is helping me find my inner Martha Stewart.

Someone asked me recently if I have a job. I think this person was surprised/disappointed/annoyed that I don't currently work outside the home. I'm just a housewife. I suppose it's expected for gals in my season of life to establish a career. My kids are in school, my husband works, what's keeping home anyway? Am I not bored?

Believe it or not, my life is quite full. I finally have time to tackle those things I wouldn't try when a teenager, or couldn't try when I was a young mommy. Now I'm learning how to be a homemaker and I actually enjoy it!

Here are a few of the projects I've tackled lately:

Dehydrating Apples

Curling hair with a sock

Making a fall yarn wreath

Roasting veggies without oil or salt

Making over my daughter's room

This week I'll post photos from Emma's room re-do, my bargain shopping, and my fall decorating. I also want to describe some major Martha Moment FAILS to keep it real!

In closing, here is my Martha Stewart Bucket List for November:

Sew holiday themed pillows for the great room

Make a vegetarian Thanksgiving meal

Temporarily turn Em's old bedroom into a craft/sewing/gift wrapping room

Learn how to work a few more things on the camera

Beautify my blog

Make a Christmas wreath

Create a family gallery wall in the upstairs hallway

Recover my dining chairs

My Favorite Things

I'm stressed, frustrated, lonely, and AWAKE at 2:30 in the morning. What's there to do but think of my favorite things?

I feel a little like Oprah, but without the free give-aways. Sorry! Here's a random list of things that make me happy:
Liplicious by Bath & Body Works - This lip gloss is a necessity for workouts, or going out in the cold. I apply this stuff several times a day. In a pinch, the knock-off version called Shine Sensational by Maybelline is also acceptable.
Uggs - Okay, so I would NEVER pay over $150 for shoes. I actually have a knock-off, fake version from Costco that cost me about 30 bucks. Do I think these are at all attractive boots? Heck no! Rick had to talk me into buying my "Fuggs" (fake Uggs) because I think they are so ugly. However, they are the most comfortable shoes I've ever had. Seriously. My feet are so warm and cozy in these suckers.
Glee soundtracks 1 & 2 - I don't watch the show, but I love the music! There are so many great covers by some amazingly talented people. In fact, I think I'll listen to some Glee right now...
I-Pod Touch - The previous item drew my attention to my wonderful new Christmas gift from Rick. I can't get over the storage on this gadget! I still haven't filled it up with music and books. There is room to spare. It's also easy enough to use that a tech dummy like me can figure it out. My kids are slowly and patiently teaching me about the gabillion other features.
Diet Caffeine Free Pepsi - A Pepsi a day, keeps insanity away. I'm glad I can fool my body with this fake stuff. No calories, no caffeine. And, I like the bubbles.
Sonicare - I am an overly vigorous brusher. What does THAT say about my personality? Anyhoodie... I like my Sonicare because it gives me that "just from the dentist" feeling.
Flexees Fat Free Tee - I've been a fan of the Shade, ModesTee, and Impel shirts for several years, but I like the coverage and the bulge smoothing properties of this undergarment better. It's also made of a material that will retain its color and shape, despite multiple washings.
Dark Chocolate M&Ms - I haven't met dark chocolate yet that I didn't like, but these hold a special place in my pantry. These babies are small so I can make 'em last a whole movie! Not many treats can claim that.
Electric Blanket - We picked this up from Costco last winter to survive the chilly Ohio winter. I love that I can preheat my bed before I get in at night. And, when Rick decides to do something crazy like open the windows in the middle of the night, I can avoid hypothermia.
Cutco knives - My parents gave us these wonderful knives several years ago, and I'm still grateful. I remember when I first started using them, I nearly amputated my fingers several times. I was so used to my crappy, cheap knives from Target that couldn't slice a pat of butter. I literally use my Cutco knives every day.

I could keep going with my list, but I'm feeling better now. It's your turn to play this silly game. What would you include in your list?